Talk of The Villages Florida - Be wary of local cardiologist

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- Medical and Health Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-health-discussion-94/)

- - Be wary of local cardiologist (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-health-discussion-94/wary-local-cardiologist-61220/)

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Originally Posted by PaPaLarry (Post 569814)

I don't agree with that. I go to Florida Heart & Vascular and really appreciate the way my Heart Doctor cares. In fact, I like going through tests that Doctor recommends, when its needed, to determine questions that arise. Because of Doctor and tests, I now see Heart Doctor once a year. Having a good heart mentally, helps a heart physically. God Bless our medical Profession. Bad apples are everywhere, but doesn't mean the tree is bad

From my experience on this board and elsewhere, most people will say that we (patients) don't know enough to make our own decisions. They say we are fools if we try to make our own decisions. But, often, those same people claim to know the difference between a "good" doctor and a "bad" doctor. On what basis do they decide if they don't know which tests and treatments are needed and which are not needed?

I think perhaps most of it is decided because of the atmosphere that is created in the doctor's office. If a patient gets a warm attentive reception from the receptionist, nurse and doctor, that tends to put one in a happy receptive mood. From there on in, much of what is done is judged to be necessary. And that judgement comes inspite of the fact that we are told that we are not supposed to know anything. In most cases, I would call such judgements "nebulous".

There's a saying that goes something like this: Caring about the patient is one of the most important tools in a doctor's practice, so, if the doctor can fake it, he or she has it made.

Note: Bernard Madoff was a smooth operator who seemed to care about people, or so they thought, until he was found out to be a crook who only cared about himself.

I for one understand the frustration that �shrink� is going through and the DoctorA comment about the malpractice suits is right on target. In my opinion many tests performed is to protect against those suits that are common in this medical field. It is the current medical system and insurance firms that drive this sometimes unnecessary function in a doctors practice. There is a reason it is called a practice and with the specialty in medicine, the GP cannot take the chance of diagnosing anymore even if they think they know the problem. Sad state of affairs.

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Originally Posted by pooh (Post 569069)

Thank you!!!

(And you did a fine job using your phone.)

When we moved here, my husband went to a Cardiologist and told him of all his health issues. After taking a verbal history and noting that he is extremely active and eats clean, he said that he would like to do a stress test. That done, he said he wanted to do an Angiogram. Hubby had one the previous year and all was well.......but he had one and a 90% blockage was found. I thank that doctor every day for what some would consider unnecessary tests.

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Originally Posted by Shirleevee (Post 570192)

I see that in a previous post you indicated that heart disease was already well established. Therefore, that's not an example of something I would call, "unnecessary testing". I never said not to test patients who already have established heart disease.

I think that you have done the responsible thing in alerting readers about alleged fraudulent medical practice. I also think that Florida has some of the highest medical costs and the lowest health outcomes in the country. You really should identify this practice if for no other reason than to verify the truth of your post. I think it equally important that patients take responsibility for their own health and not just roll over for the doctor, especially once you've been alerted.

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Originally Posted by Villages PL (Post 570775)

Yes, but he had tests a few months before in NY and all was well then. Wouldn't that lead some into thinking that all was STILL well? I would rather have a doctor covering his own behind than not!!!

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Originally Posted by Shirleevee (Post 577226)

Yes, but he had tests a few months before in NY and all was well then. Wouldn't that lead some into thinking that all was STILL well? I would rather have a doctor covering his own behind than not!!!

Based on your thinking, the American Heart Association should now recommend that (all?) heart patients get retested every few months. But if the retesting comes under the heading of a "second opinion" it may be justified. Could it be that the doctor retested because he knew he should be warry of cardiologists, some of whom are not trustworthy? If so, he made my point.

All of this just serves to confirm my suspicions: Too many profit-seeking doctors in The Villages with poor academic credentials, trying to exploit an older population. I'm a retired registered nurse who recently moved here. The pathetic state of health care in The Villages scares me. I finally decided my health is worth driving an hour up the road to the University of Florida in Gainesville. I don't trust this place; I've found a doctor there.

Just wanted to add a little something my dearest dad may he rest in peace always said...
What do you call the guy who graduated last in his class in medical school???

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Originally Posted by kagney123 (Post 674422)

What do you call the guy who graduated last in his class in medical school???

A heartless cardiologist? :D

.

Say what you want, but I still have my husband thanks to the doctors and the hospital right here in TV. They have saved his life twice now. He would now be dead if he had tried to go to Leesburg, Gainesville, or anywhere else. He would have died long before getting there.

Personally, I like and will take my chances here. Sure seems to pay off for us. Some of the very best cardiologists are here. Probably some of the worst, too. The same can be said for all the primaries/specialists anywhere.

And, as someone else pointed out, nuclear stress tests are done on the treadmill. The nuclear medicine gives a much clearer picture (literally) of how the heart is functioning before and after stress.

Almost exactly the same thing happened to us. I know the practice you are talking about. It is not just one cardiologist in this practice who engages in this approach. Note that these tests are not risk free - our cardiologist up north told us to beware of ending up on the operating table for no good reason after these unnecessary tests.

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Originally Posted by dillywho (Post 674439)

AMEN!! Couldn't agree with you more regarding T.V. health-care system vs. somewhere else.

Folks talk to other folks and gather opinions, many times, by someone else's experience. I think it's prudent to do your home-work (if it's possible) via the internet etc. to find out the credentials etc on any health-care provider. Certainly someone can graduate from the best school and have good credentials and still not bear up to being a good doctor! Sometimes it's perception on the patient's part as well. There are great doctors here and some who aren't...just like other areas of the country!

Post the doctor name on a small piece of paper this Friday on the backside of the radio station at the Landing after dark. Do it quickly and don't leave your name on it. Interested readers can then proceed there to see it only after 8 pm to protect the poster. :) James Bond 007 stuff!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by shrink (Post 561015)

I am writing this post to warn others of fraud and abuse which apparently is rampant in Florida. Medicare has established a separate fraud department specifically to investigate Florida claims! Specifically, I saw a cardiologist after my husband was referred to one. It was recommended to me by that cardiologist that I have an initial workup because of my family history and a past hx of smoking. I was asymptomatic, but told that heart disease presents differently in women. Better safe than sorry, right? I was immediately referred for a nuclear stress test (never offered the option of a cardio treadmill stress test). That test cost in excess of $2400., whereas the treadmill test would have been $174.00. Hmmm...never mind, as Medicare and my private insurance were also charged for the treadmill test (which I never had). As a result of the "equivocal" findings on the stress test, it was recommended that I start on Digoxin and also have an invasive angiogram (thousands more) to see what's going on. In the meantime, I was given several other tests, including sonograms, leg studies, etc. which I have since discovered EVERYONE who sees this doctor is given. I decided to seek a second opinion from a reputable cardiologist out of state. That doctor (and I) requested records be sent a total of FIVE times. No records were sent until I called the cardiologist down here and threatened legal action. I now understand why those records weren't sent as requested. It was because there is NOTHING WRONG with my heart, as per my second opinion! By the way, my husband was given all the same tests AND underwent the angiogram...and there was nothing wrong with him, either). My reason for writing this post is to make all Villagers aware of what can go on here. Be sure to carefully check all of your medicare/private insurance statements to see what you've been billed for. Do NOT engage in a ton of tests without getting a second opinion for someone highly reputable. Just because you may not have to pay for those tests directly, we all pay indirectly. Although I'm sure that some of the physicians here are honest, are not referring to establishments where they have financial interests for unnecessary tests or to specialists with whom there is some kind of reciprocity, many are. PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION.

I noticed this thread is over a year old.

My PCP saw something, that he said nmight be something, or nothing. He referred me to Dr. Miryala. Dr. Miryala recommended a nuclear stress test with the accompanied pictures. I found him to be very thorough and competent. He put me on a low dosage aspirin, (81MG), and I see him in January, 2014. So far, so good. :smiley:

I highly recommend Dr. Miryala for anyone, who is having heart problems.